Industrial & Manufacturing Blog
Titanium was first discovered alongside iron oxide in some black sand in Cornwall, England, in the late 1700s. Pure metallic titanium was first created in 1910 at New York's Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute. Since that time it has risen more swiftly than any other metal to a position of pre-eminence in critical and demanding applications. Some of the many places titanium is used may be a surprise.
1. Comic Books
Not in the actual paper or ink of the comic book, of course. Titanium Man first made his appearance in comics in the 1960's as the Soviet rival of America's Iron Man. He didn't do well in a series of epic combat sequences, but this had more to do with politics of the day rather than an actual comparison of metal strength.
2. Sunscreen
Micro- or nano-particles of titanium dioxide, often alongside zinc oxide, are key ingredients in sunscreen because they help block harmful UV rays from reaching the skin.
3. Biological Implants
Titanium does not react with the human body, but it connects well with bone. As such, it is used in artificial hips, pins for the repair of broken bones, and dental implants. It is also used to make heart valves and pace makers.
4. House Paint & Cosmetics
Titanium oxide is the most-used white pigment in the world. Very bright, the white pigment is commonly used in paint, enamels, plastics, ceramics, paper and cosmetics.
5. Solar Observatories
It reflects infrared radiation; as such, it is used in solar observatories where heat can cause poor visibility.
6. Aerospace
Titanium is substituted for aluminum in metallic alloys because of how strong and lightweight it is. It's a top choice of NASA and other space agencies around the world in the manufacture of spacecraft. It can be found in aircraft firewalls, landing gear, hydraulics, engine parts, jet engine housing and the outer skin of the aircraft body. The International Space Station and space shuttles all have numerous parts made of titanium.
More About Titanium
Titanium is the element most commonly added to steel, because it increases the strength of steel and its resistance to corrosion. Titanium is almost half the weight of steel and twice as strong as aluminum.
Titanium is the ninth most prevalent element found on earth, but it's expensive. The top 3 producers of titanium are Canada, Australia and South Africa.
It's manufactured into sheets or plates, piping, tubing, blocks, bars and fasteners, and sold through metal distributors like State Technology & Manufacturing to medical, military, aerospace and other industries.
Share28 January 2015
Hey there, I'm Finny Moreau. I like to explore the world of junk cars. If you're anything like me, you regularly pick through junkyards to find rare parts or even whole vehicles. Although I'd love to bring home all of the rare items I find on my searches, I have to be selective due to a lack of storage space. I would also never be able to use many of the items that I find. Instead, I bring home the best of the bunch for use on my own cars. I will use this site to discuss my findings in the junkyard. I will also explore the various uses of junkyard cars and parts. I hope to bring the discussion to dinner tables around the world to inspire others to use the wrecking yard on a regular basis. Welcome and thanks for visiting.